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COURSE DESCRIPTION

The main aim of this course is to consolidate what you have previously learnt and give you the confidence to take part in a range of simple social interactions (going out and about; making a simple transaction in a shop, post office or bank; making inquiries about a journey; using public transport; requesting basic information, asking one’s way and giving directions, buying tickets; asking for and providing services and products for everyday needs). There is a follow on course, Speaking French – Improvers, which will help you specifically with spoken French.

French for Improvers runs over 20 weekly sessions and is organised around the following topics: yourself and others; daily routines; leisure activities and hobbies; holidays.

You will learn how to greet people; how to describe people and things; ask/answer simple questions; ask/answer about what you do daily; ask/answer about what you like doing and where you have been on holidays.

In addition to acquiring competence in French itself, you will develop useful transferable skills such as communication skills and self-management.

Who is this course for?

You may have studied French a long time ago and you may be a bit rusty now (one year’s part-time study or ‘rusty’ GCSE). In terms of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (DELF and DALF), this course, together with Speaking French – Improvers, prepares students for A1 and some competences of A2.

Learning and Teaching

Regular attendance is vital because in order to develop your linguistic competence, you need to participate and take part in the structured activities your tutor will organise every week.

Between sessions, you will also be expected to prepare for topics and complete tasks to consolidate what you will have learnt in class.

Coursework and Assessment

To award credits we need to have evidence of the knowledge and skills you have gained or improved. Some of this has to be in a form that can be shown to external examiners so that we can be absolutely sure that standards are met across all courses and subjects.

You will not have formal examinations but you may have class tests. You may be asked to write assignments, keep a course journal or put together a portfolio. Our assessments are flexible to suit the course and the student.

The most important element of assessment is that it should enhance your learning. Our methods are designed to increase your confidence and we try very hard to devise ways of assessing you that are enjoyable and suitable for adults with busy lives.

Library and Computing Facilities

As a student on this course you are entitled to join and use the University library and computing facilities. You can find out more about these facilities on our website www.cardiff.ac.uk/learn under Student Information, or by ringing the Centre on

(029) 2087 0000.

Accessibility of Courses

Our aim is access for all. We aim to provide a confidential advice and support service for any student with a long term medical condition, disability or specific learning difficulty. We are able to offer one-to-one advice about disability, pre-enrolment visits, liaison with tutors and co-ordinating lecturers, material in alternative formats, arrangements for accessible courses, assessment arrangements, loan equipment and Dyslexia screening. Please contact the Centre on (029) 2087 0000 for an information leaflet.

Further Information

A range of further information can be found on our web site www.cardiff.ac.uk/learn or in Choices. This includes the times and dates of courses and an explanation of accreditation and credit levels.